Illuminated Luminarium to transform Portsmouth’s Victoria Park in September

Victoria Park will be transformed into a world of light, colour and architecture when Luminarium makes its Portsmouth debut this September.

The immersive installation will be open from Friday, 11 September, until Sunday, 13 September, giving visitors one weekend to explore its illuminated domes and winding passages.

Created by Architects of Air, Luminarium uses natural light, colour and sound to produce an ever-changing sensory experience. As daylight moves across the sky, the atmosphere inside the structure changes, meaning each visit can offer something different.

People of all ages will be able to wander through the installation at their own pace before exploring Victoria Park, one of Portsmouth’s oldest and best-known public parks.

Luminarium is the third of four events forming The Point Is Portsmouth, a city-wide programme produced by Crying Out Loud to celebrate Portsmouth100.

The programme aims to bring internationally recognised artistic experiences to Portsmouth and transform familiar locations into places where communities can come together through creativity and participation.

Rachel Clare, Artistic Director of Crying Out Loud, said:

“Luminarium is the third of four The Point Is Portsmouth events, celebrating Portsmouth's centenary through ambitious outdoor arts and shared experiences.

“Each event invites people to experience Portsmouth in a different way. Following the energy of 432 Fratton in June and Circus in Motion at the Historic Dockyard in July, Luminarium at Victoria Park this September offers something quieter but no less extraordinary. It invites people to slow down, explore together and experience an internationally acclaimed artwork that celebrates curiosity, creativity and connection. We hope people of all ages will discover something completely unexpected.”

Architects of Air has been creating its walk-through installations for more than three decades, with its structures designed to be accessible to people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Alan Parkinson, Founder of Architects of Air, said:

“For more than 30 years we've created a space to bring people together through light, colour and shared experience. Every installation is designed to welcome everyone, regardless of age, background or ability, encouraging visitors simply to wander, explore and enjoy being immersed in an ever-changing environment.

“We're delighted to bring Luminarium to Portsmouth for the first time. The values behind The Point Is Portsmouth - creating opportunities for communities to experience ambitious art together - closely reflect our own belief that these installations should be open, inclusive and shared by as many people as possible.”

Alongside its public opening, Crying Out Loud will arrange visits for schools, community groups and project partners. Community organisations interested in arranging a hosted visit are being encouraged to contact the organisation for further information.

The Luminarium weekend will coincide with Rawkus City Festival, which will bring additional activities to Guildhall Square between 11 and 13 September.

Organisers said the two events would create a weekend of outdoor arts and cultural experiences across Portsmouth, with further details due to be announced in the coming weeks.

Luminarium is being presented by Crying Out Loud in partnership with Victoria Park and Rawkus City. The event is supported by Arts Council England, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Creates.

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